Proofreading Tips
Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced proofreader, there’s always something new to learn. That’s where our blogs come in! We've got expert advice on spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing, proofreading different types of writing (from creative to business and academic), and much more!
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How to Correct Right-to-Left Text Issues
How to Correct Right-to-Left Text Issues
Published Dec 12, 2017
Last Updated Nov 25, 2024Fans of Knowadays’ blog (we know you’re out there) will know that we try to make our posts fun and entertaining. But even fun-packed jobs like proofreading have their boring, technical bits. And more often than not, these bits are annoyingly important. Take, for example, the issue of correcting right-to-left text in Microsoft Word. Script […]
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Our Proofreading Christmas List
Our Proofreading Christmas List
Published Dec 05, 2017
Last Updated Nov 19, 2024Here at Knowadays, we’re not tempted by the latest must-have gadgets, but we always get the latest version of Microsoft Word. We don’t crave luxury beauty products, either, but we do want every document we work on to look good. If we could ask Santa for a gift this Christmas, then, it would be something […]
To Change or Not to Change? When to Edit a Document
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Proofreading Before Computers
Published Nov 21, 2017
Last Updated Nov 28, 2024Proofreading dates back to the early days of printing: a contract from 1499 even mentions it, saying that the responsibility for proofreading lies with the author. But it may interest technology fans to know that Microsoft Word was not around in the fifteenth century. And proofreading before computers was, necessarily, very different. As such, to […]
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Historic vs. Historical: What’s the Difference?
Published Nov 14, 2017
Last Updated Mar 28, 2025The invention of the computer was a historic event. Without it we would still be scribbling in the margins of galley proofs, unaided by word-processing software. The invention of the computer was also a historical event, hence our use of the past tense. Yet not every historical event is historic, and not every historic event […]
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Hyphens, En Dashes and Em Dashes
Published Nov 07, 2017
Last Updated May 16, 2023As the supermarkets begin to stock their shelves with exploding hat-and-joke containers, stuffing-flavour crisps and puddings nobody likes, Michael Bublé comes out of his long hibernation. Listen. He is warming up his voice. ‘A kiss is just a kiss,’ he sings. ‘A sigh is just a sigh.’ But is a dash just a dash? Is […]
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Top 5 Grammar Myths: Exposing the Truth
Published Oct 25, 2017
Last Updated Nov 25, 2024There comes a time in every proofreader’s life when they’re faced with the unsettling fact that some of the ‘rules’ they have always used are either misleading or downright wrong. This can be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s better to get it over and done with. So grab a cup of strong, sweet […]
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Windows vs. Mac: Which Is Better for Proofreading?
Published Oct 20, 2017
Last Updated Nov 25, 2024So which is better, Windows or Mac? Fight! Sadly, we can’t make our computers to engage in an epic battle to the death to prove once and for all that Windows machines are better. Therefore, we can’t tell you which kind of computer to use for proofreading. Ultimately, either is fine because both support Microsoft […]
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A Brief Guide to Vancouver Referencing
Published Oct 16, 2017
Last Updated May 16, 2023It’s happened to us all. A client wants you to proofread their essay or journal article, but you are unfamiliar with the referencing system! Suddenly everything is called into question. Imposter syndrome kicks in. You wonder, can you presume to do this with only Google to guide you? What if the information there is unreliable? […]
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Top 5 Tips for ESL Proofreading
Top 5 Tips for ESL Proofreading
Published Oct 07, 2017
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024As a proofreader, you are almost certain to encounter clients who do not speak English as a first language. This may seem daunting, but never fear! In this post, we have five top tips for working with ESL (English as a second language) clients and documents. 1. Be Clear and Patient in Your Communication The […]
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The Etymology of ‘Proofreading’
The Etymology of ‘Proofreading’
Published Sep 28, 2017
Last Updated May 16, 2023Here at Knowadays we have a poster on the wall (next to the signed pictures of our favourite pedants of stage and screen) that says, ‘You don’t have to know the etymology of “proofreading” to work here, but it helps!’ Our questionable taste in wall décor aside, the term ‘proofreading’ does make more sense when […]
